The Official Vehicle for Families Everywhere: New Ad Highlights Chevy's High-Level Practicality

The summer months are now officially here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and this is the time of year when many happily pile their families into the car and have tons of fun outings to relax and catch up with each other. All of us on staff here fully believe that Chevy is the #1 choice on the market for growing families, and the crossover body category does fulfill the requirements of happily hauling your loved ones around while assuring that they are riding in full comfort. This past week on the GM Authority blog, there was a “Family Reunion” video that highlighted the many great features of our favorite family-ready trio in the business: the 2019 Chevy Trax, 2019 Equinox, and 2019 Traverse.

The benefits of a hatch with plenty of room for all of your cargo, a high-riding stance with a prime driving position, and ample space for passenger comfort are all great features of the crossover category. This is a segment that has really grown fast in popularity among families during the past few years, and the video begins with the host asking which of these three vehicles provide the most value for their particular family. The 2019 Chevy Trax is for the subcompact segment, the Equinox is the compact, and the Traverse as the fullest-size 7-seater.

The ad draws to a close with an incentive offer for the 2019 Equinox, which makes concessions for current owners of a non-Chevy vehicle to get 14 percent below MSRP on most Equinox models. This is an excellent way of attracting those who have developed loyalty to other brands to check out the many first-rate benefits of Chevy ownership for your favorite family!

The 2019 Chevy Trax is fitting for families on the go for many reasons: it provides chair-height seats and very easy access, as well as rear seat accommodations that have been consistently ranked by the savviest in the business as commendable. This is a very secure and easily maneuverable crossover that was created to provide the ultimate in comfort, best extended warranty option in the business, and is insanely fun and peppy to drive. Ask us here at West Chevy about the LT Package, upping the intensity with 16-inch aluminum wheels, halogen projector headlamps, and chrome beltline moldings.

The Chevy Equinox has the solid-base 1.5-liter engine as well as available turbo 2.0 – liter that we guarantee you'll love either of, providing a very taut and firm yet controlled ride. This is a powerful and fun compact SUV that seats up to five and is the rawest form of competition on the market up against the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Jeep Cherokee. Exciting new features new for this year were front pedestrian braking and adaptive cruise control, and both available 360-degree camera system as well as standard backup camera, with 4 USB ports as standard.

The 2019 Chevy Traverse is hailed by many reviewers and experts for a trait that all families will love: an ultra-smooth ride no matter what the circumstances! This is definitely the vehicle for you if you love having many extended-stay visitors, or the blessing of growth in the family lately: it sports 3 rows and seats up to 8. Available in front or all-wheel drive, it's the premium-size SUV with urban style cues that also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Make sure you investigate the extreme benefits of the upgrade to the LT Premium Package on this vehicle as well: you then obtain the 360-degree camera system, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a rear camera mirror, navigation, high-quality Bose stereo, and household-style power outlet. While figuring out which of the three will best suit your active family's needs, check out the video here, and we will see you on the lot soon for a test drive of the absolute in family best!

Brand-New C8 Corvette Video on CarBuzz.com Features “Hidden Secret”

It has now been over a month since Chevy released its first C8 teaser video, right around the same time the release date of July 18, 2019 was stated as official. Right off the bat, we are shown the Corvette “Godfather” Zora Arkus-Duntov staying “Let's Go” and then several shots of past mid-engined prototypes and other test vehicles from the past are spliced together nicely with glimpses of the new C8 in the mix. As the blistering hot days on the tracks and highways of summer get closer, there has now been a second teaser video released, and it looks to be a solid continuation of the first one.

The video's description is “The Next Generation Corvette teaser video has more than 60 years of mid-engine history and heritage hidden within its 07.18.19 length”. For many years, Arkus-Duntov was the advocate for a switch from a front to mid-engine design, and this year he finally gets to reap the rewards of that wish. Superior chops in the engineering and weight balance departments are two of the main qualities that were hard-driving influences for the fascination with the potentials of mid-engined design.

Arkus-Dontov had always pictured the Corvette as a thriving world-class sports car and going mid-engined ultimately was essential to fulfill that dream. From where some of us at West Chevy of Knoxville are standing, there are some elements of the C8 that seem a bit like it is not a product for the typical Corvette owner. The new mid-engined platform does a pretty powerful job of completely changing the car's styling and proportions. The preview seven generations of the Corvette featured a very traditional GT appearance, with a very long hood and a cab-back greenhouse. With the engine placed in the middle of the car, the cab is ultimately pushed forward, immediately shortening the hood. The car still looks amazing, but with change comes differences in appearance.

The Vette has undergone some pretty intense styling changes over the years, such as the great tail-light fiasco of the C7. The truth about this vehicle that is bound to raise many heart rates is that it is going to be one of the most thoroughly capable sports cars in the world. Happenings as of late have yielded the debut of the NSX and Supra from Japan, the Bugatti Chiron from France, and a pretty awesome new Ford GT, but none of these bad boys are able to brandish a half-century in the making.

Most insiders stand behind the notion that a new 500-horsepower naturally aspirated 4.2-liter DOHC V8 will be the power source, and others say that the 460 hop 6.2-liter cam-in-block V8 will preside. Regardless of which engine is present, shifting is expected to be done by a dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shift, and the massive excitement surrounding the C8's robust release begins within just six weeks!

2020 Chevy Corvette Spotted by Autoblog Crew With Reduced Aero Factor

Reese Counts from Autoblog.com has for many years had a keen sense of what is happening in the auto industry, especially within the realm of high performance and sports cars. This past week he reported on the excitement that is ever-present due to the reveal of the long-awaited mid-engine 2020 Chevy Corvette, which has been steadily shedding more and more camouflage during spy shots as of late. Since Chevy is still thought to be deep in the development stage, the C8 will probably still not be on sale until the end of 2019.

These new spy shots emerged from the Chevy proving grounds over the week, and are some of the clearest yet out there. They were taken with a rather long lens, but you can clearly note the lack of a rear wing or front splitter on the C8. This makes a lot of sense if engineers are tuning the car for triple digits, and also suggests that there may be optional aero packages such as there are on the current Corvette. Every single C7 variant from the Stingray on up to the ZR1 has had at least one optional aero package that is in place to improve downforce and grip, which also, unfortunately, reduced the car's top speed potential.

As you check these photos out and think of all the awesome Corvettes that have “graced the stage” during years past, it appears that the distance between the rear either door and the back is a bit longer, and hunched forward. This visual sensation that some weren't keen on in the beginning when spy shots first turned up has now caught on, and is part of the great things that are different and alluring about the new C8. Full Throttle Drive also had a super cool video over the past week highlighting the tuning options that the C8 will boast, as you can adjust the suspension and diagnose any engine issues with startling efficiency.

We've long known here at West Chevy that manufacturers simply don't tune their cars rolling off the line to the best of their performance potential, meaning that a simple tune upon new ownership can drastically change things. All car makers are not pleased with the fact that ECU's need to be “hacked” to adjust some of these elements, and will usually void your warranty if they find out you have done so. The all-new digital platform implemented in the C8 may provide a challenge for that “under the radar” task, but rest assured that this car will be rolling off the line in full-fledged, track-ready and performance-laden stature!

Construction Blog Talks New Powertrain Options for 2020 Silverado 1500

The nationwide truck frenzy has really been at it's peak for about the last 3 years, as more of them are popping up on the road then seemingly any vehicle out there. The RAM, F 150, and our beloved Silverado are consistently the “big three” that are battling for market share, and every little feature and bulky new towing rating counts. The folks on staff at the Construction blog ran a great feature this past week highlighting the powertrain options for next year's Silverado, laying out for all who are interested in the specifics.

One option that will be quite popular is the 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine standard on the LT Trail Boss, and available on the High Country. There will also be a 6.2-liter V-8 offered on the Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss and RST trims. When equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, the Silverado RST has the ability to tow up to 13,400 pounds. On next year's models, more than half of the Silverado trim levels will be available with the 6.2-liter V-8, cranking out an SAE-certified 420 hp, and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired to the 10-speed automatic transmission.

On the LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss, this already massive power is paired with a 2-inch factory suspension lift, and the Z71 off-road package that features a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho mono-tube off-road shocks, 18-inch wheels, and Goodyear Duratrac tires. If you are still left hungry for even more performance, the 6.2-liter engine is also available with a Performance Upgrade Package that adds a performance air intake and cat-back performance exhaust, raising output to 435 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. There will also be the availability of the Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which is available on the LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country models, and the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel pumps out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. Of torque.

The tried-and-true Dynamic Fuel Management system is also available with the 10-speed automatic transmission on certain trim levels: it comes standard on the LT and Trail Boss, and is also available on the High Country trim. One of the best assets ever to navigate parking lots and make tight turns is also on board: the transparent trailer feature puts to use the tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera mounted to the rear of the trailer. This point of view also helps greatly with the sometimes-precarious duty of merging into traffic. Here at West Chevy, we have long met our personal goal of giving every single customer the absolute best in sales and service expertise, and we are beyond excited to offer test drives of next year's Silverado when it arrives! 

Autoblog.com Reports on Pop-Up 3-Row Chevy Blazer Sighting

Everyone here at West Chevy has been aware of the fact that a 3-row version of the 2019 Blazer has been kicked around the drawing boards and design rooms indefinitely for quite some time now. Just recently in China, Chevy displayed a concept that was called the FNR-CarryAll, and rumors began circulating heavily that it would soon see full production. These spy shots show the longer Blazer covered up well, but with design cues that come through such as the low roofline and short windshield.

The trademark large grille peeks out from behind the vinyl, but a very noticeable difference is how much longer it is than the current two-row crossover. Both the roof and wheelbase are longer, and there have been multiple testings as of late in the States. It may be slated for release specifically for the Chinese market, as there is already a large 3-row crossover available here in the functional and fierce form of the Chevy Traverse. It could be a bit of a stretch to find space between it and the two-row Blazer, whereas in China the only 3-row Chevy offers is the overseas-specific Orlando, coming in stature as a bit smaller than the Blazer.

Many past reports have indicated how ideal this big Blazer would be in markets that don't feature the Traverse, and with the crossover market so hot at the moment, there's a chance that demand could prompt a 3-row variant of the Blazer but it may not be immediate. We loved this feature from the folks on staff at Motortrend.com last year that highlighted the Blazer's return, taking a detailed look back at the illustrated history of the nameplate. It was back in 1969 that Chevy began to use the Blazer name, when it sported a leaf-spring suspension and straight axles, offering easy modification to make it a more capable off-road vehicle. Six – and eight-cylinder engine were offered, as were rear and four-wheel drive configurations. The 1973 model switched to an aluminum transfer case, and also added full-time 4-wheel drive on automatic-equipped models.

When many people picture a Blazer, it is the third-generation variant, used in production from the 1992 to 1994 model years, underpinned by the same platform used on full-size trucks. We profess up and down that this was “The drummer's choice”: the perfect cross between a truck and an early-model SUV to haul gear that didn't have the length and bed of a full-blown rig. A 5.7-liter V-8 was paired to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, and it was also offered with a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V-8.

From 2002 until 2009, the Trailblazer was the standalone model in the United States market and was available with a choice of I-6 or V-8 engines in rear or 4-wheel drive configurations. This name would continue until present times in various global markets, and remained on a truck's platform. The 2019 Blazer was the first to ride on a car-based unibody platform, and provided the front-running competition up against the Nissan Murano, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Edge, and Subaru Outback.

FourWheeler Network Features 2019 Chevy Colorado Bison Braving a Blizzard

The folks on staff at the Four Wheeler Network Blog was incredibly excited last month to put the ZR2 Bison to the test in an element that would surely show how capable it really is of slogging through any condition. The crew had previously familiarized themselves with the ZR2 during last year's “Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year” test, where it took home first place. The 2019 Bison received massive upgrades through expert Montana-based outfitter AEV that the group was itching to try out: on top of front and rear electric lockers, Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve shocks, a 2-inch taller ride height, and 3.5-inch-wider track width, the Bison also received a custom-stamped steel front bumper.

It also proudly boasts fog lights and space for a winch, rear bumper with dual recovery points and matching contours for the widened fender flares, hot-stamped Boron steel skid plates protecting the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case, and AEV badging located throughout. The weather was a bit dreary, but the team was determined to pack as much adventure as they could into the time-space of the weekend. The 62-inch bed was more than enough space for the camping gear needed for the trip, but with heavy snow in the forecast, they chose to test the carrying ability of the back seat.

They easily stacked sleeping accommodations, photography, recovery gear, and the Dometic CFX 35W electric cooler into the back, and excitedly hit the road. The goal for travel was between Mojave and Bishop, California, on mostly dirt roads. They noticed that the first leg of their trip allowed for carrying speed through obstacles that would slow non-off-road-equipped vehicles to a snail's pace. When the trail eventually because very slick, steep, and riddled with rocks, the increased track width and skidplating allowed for much more confidence and stability, and AEV's 17-inch aluminum wheels came complete with Goodyear DuraTrac tires, known for their primo ability in mud and snow.

The team was literally stuck with the Bison in feet of snow, and nearly knee-deep powder and the poorest visibility in existence required the employment of both locking differentials to keep moving at all. What was rated highest and most useful after this trek were many components that one expert along for the ride admitted “would make him sell his Jeep”. The grabby tires, front and rear electric-locking differentials, and skidplates all were integral in allowing the truck to pass through the worst of winter conditions. Follow along closely with the gang's adventures here, and make sure to pay us a visit here at West Chevy during the spring to check out the capabilities and off-road candor of the mighty ZR2!

2019 Chevy Blazer RS's “Standout Styling” Highlighted in Automobilemag.com

Eleonor Segora of Automobilemag.com spent some time over the last week with the new 2019 Chevy Blazer RS, and the first thing she admitted was just how many devotees it gained in passing. Friends, family, and curious onlookers were all into the sleek design, features reminiscent of the much-loved Camaro, and the red-hot paint job her model had. All of us here at West Chevy agree that this model really did place a premium on standout styling, and entry-level pricing that will be music to new buyers' ears.

The first way in which the Blazer was really put to the task was hauling a 30 x 80 exterior door for her family's garage, and with the front passenger seat fully reclined and the rear seats folded down, it fit with the liftgate closed all of the way. On top of that added bonus, she first enjoyed its responsive handling, powerful engine, and style that immediately catches the eye. Even though it has adopted some very obvious designs cues from the Camaro, but it manages to be tied together with the snug glue of wickedly modern design, and reigns consistently being pulled during production to not make it an “experiment gone wrong”.

The appreciation for Sport mode was quite evident, and there was a very quick response from the 308-hp, naturally aspirated V-6 that is predictable and linear. The telltale Chevy Bow tie logo sees both the head – and taillamps with the logo, and the one in back has a cool way of illuminating. Another feature that Eleonor really loved off the bat was the button to open the glove box: it's conveniently located about an inch from the infotainment screen, right next to the traction-control button. You can even lock up the glove box to up the ante on protection from those with bad intentions.

While there's nothing totally revolutionary about a hands-free liftgate nowadays, the Blazer RS has a cool projection-light feature that helps you point your foot in the right direction. When you encounter rough and winding roads, the floor-mounted rail system comes in mega-handy, and can help prevent your groceries or camping gear from sliding around too much. On each side mirror, a car with an actual “BANG!” symbol lights up to warn you of a possible collision when any other vehicle approaches your blind spot. Eleanor ranked this as on the best designs she's seen from GM, as it is so focused on getting to your destination safely. While you are figuring out exactly which trim is right for you, remember to keep your eyes peeled for the RS: it offers up the very stylish 21-inch blacked-out wheels as well as panoramic sunroof!